Covid-19: Quebec elected officials call for the greatest caution before the holidays
Audio 01:45
The province of Quebec has notably reversed its decision to allow people to gather for four days at Christmas.
AP - Graham Hughes
Text by: RFI Follow
4 min
As the number of Covid-19 infections continues to rise in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, which has experienced its deadliest week since the start of the pandemic in March, authorities in the French-speaking province are worried.
They fear that Quebecers will receive each other for Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner, despite the ban.
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With our correspondent in Quebec,
Pascale Guéricolas
To support their warning, the four party leaders united their voices Tuesday in a joint press conference, a first since the start of the pandemic.
“
It's important that we are together, that we are united in order to save our health network.
"
The hour is serious in Quebec and the presence at the same table of Prime Minister François Legault and the three opposition leaders further accentuates the solemnity of this moment.
Hospitals are currently close to the breaking point because they treat a high number of Covid-19 patients with reduced staff since thousands of caregivers are infected or in isolation.
►Also read: Covid-19: Canada begins its vaccination campaign in full second wave
Ontario announced a re-containment starting on Saturday.
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians will then be in partial or complete containment.
Quebec, the second most populous province in the country, also announced similar measures in effect until January 11.
And the province overturned its decision to allow four days to come together over Christmas.
Solidarity
It is with the health personnel in mind that Manon Massé, spokesperson for Québec solidaire agreed to stand alongside the Prime Minister.
“
It's not because I'm docile or it's not because I have to be obedient.
No, it is out of solidarity with these people who do not hesitate day after day to put their lives in danger for our fellow citizens.
"
The elected representatives of the various parties hope to encourage their fellow citizens to limit their contacts as much as possible.
Even the artists participate in this collective effort.
The creator of “December 23”, from the Beau Dommage group, has reviewed this Quebec Christmas classic with Covid-19 sauce.
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